Intermittently redistributing energy from multiple power grids in a data center context

ABSTRACT

A technique for using machine logic to configure power supply units in a data center including: (i) receiving cost information for multiple power grids that includes expected cost information for a time period; (ii) receiving usage information for multiple data center loads in a data center that includes expected electrical power usage for the data center loads; (iii) determining a target power information set, based, at least in part, on the cost information and the usage information, with the target power information set, for the time period, including a target power amount respectively corresponding to each power grid; and (iv) determining a power supply unit configuration scheme so that, when operating under the power supply unit configuration scheme, each power grid will supply, at least approximately, its respectively corresponding target power amount.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of powerdistribution to electrical energy consuming loads (typically servers,sometimes herein referred to as “power consuming loads”) in a datacenter that is supplied by electrical energy sources respectively comingfrom multiple power grids. As used herein, “grid” is used synonymouslywith “electrical energy source” (sometimes also referred to herein as“electrical power source,” or, more simply as “power source”).

A data center typically hosts multiple energy consuming loads, hereingenerically referred to as “data center loads” or enclosures. Forredundancy purposes, each data center load is conventionallyelectrically connected to two different power grids through tworespective power supply units. Because two power supply units power thedata center load, the data center load gets only a portion of itselectrical power from each grid. Typically, the enclosures are mountedon a rack. The rack has built in electronics to help get electricalpower from the power supply to the enclosures in the rack.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is a method,computer program product and/or system that performs the followingoperations (not necessarily in the following order): (i) receiving aplurality of cost information data sets, with each cost information dataset respectively corresponding to a power grid of a plurality of powergrids and including expected cost information for electrical power drawnfrom the corresponding power grid during a time period; (ii) receiving aplurality of usage information data sets, with each usage informationdata set respectively corresponding to a data center load of a pluralityof data center loads in a data center and including expected usageinformation for electrical power expected to be drawn by a correspondingdata center load during the time period; (iii) determining a targetpower information set, based, at least in part, on the plurality of costinformation data sets and the plurality of usage information data sets,with the target power information set, for the time period, including atarget power amount respectively corresponding to each power grid; and(iv) determining a power supply unit configuration scheme so that, whenoperating under the power supply unit configuration scheme, each powergrid of the plurality of power grids will supply, at leastapproximately, its respectively corresponding target power amount.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a data center powersupply architecture according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a table showing information that is helpful in understandingembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a table showing information that is helpful in understandingembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a table showing information that is helpful in understandingembodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a data center powersupply architecture according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments of the present invention are directed to techniques forusing machine logic to configure power supply units in a data centerincluding: (i) receiving cost information for multiple power grids thatincludes expected cost information for a time period; (ii) receivingusage information for multiple data center loads that includes expectedelectrical power usage for the data center loads; (iii) determining atarget power information set, based, at least in part, on the costinformation and the usage information, with the target power informationset, for the time period, including a target power amount respectivelycorresponding to each power grid; and (iv) determining a power supplyunit configuration scheme so that, when operating under the power supplyunit configuration scheme, each power grid will supply, at leastapproximately, its respectively corresponding target power amount. Insome embodiments, the cost per unit of energy for at least one powergrid varies depending upon the amount of power drawn from that grid. Insome embodiments, the configuration is determined by “offloading” powerfrom grids that can only supply limited power in a cost-efficient mannerto other grids.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure include one, or more, of thefollowing characteristics, feature and/or advantages: (i) reduce thecost of electrical energy consumed by a data center (which is typicallya significant expense in operating a data center); (ii) take intoaccount the fact that the cost of electrical energy may differ (on astatic or dynamic basis) between different electrical energy sourcesrespectively supplied by different electrical energy grids; (iii) takeinto account the fact that the cost differences between electricalenergy sources may be due, at least in part, to the type of grid (forexample, oil powered grid, hydroelectric powered grid, nuclear poweredgrid, solar powered grid, coal powered grid, natural gas powered grid,etc.), and/or to the cost of electrical energy transport from theultimate energy source of the grid to the data center (due to factorssuch as distance from a power plant to a data center); (iv) take intoaccount the fact that the cost differences between electrical energysources may also be affected by other factors (for example, factors thatcause an electrical energy source's cost to fluctuate dynamically overtime); and/or (v) provide a method to balance multiple energy sourcesrespectively associated with multiple grids.

Further with respect to item (iv) in the list of the previous paragraph,the relative costs of energy from the various electrical energy maychange over time. For example: (i) during nighttime hours it may beleast expensive to consume electrical energy from a grid powered by oilbecause the competing energy demands on the oil-powered grid arerelatively low; while (ii) during the daytime hours it may be leastexpensive to consume electrical energy from a grid powered by solarpower because immediate consumption of energy derived from the sun'sradiation reduces, or avoids, costs associated with storage ofelectrical power in batteries of the solar powered grid.

Some embodiments of this disclosure are based on a certain power supplymethodology as follows: (i) each enclosure is supplied with electricalenergy from two redundant Power Supply Units (PSUs); (ii) redundancyhere is met by two conditions: (a) each of the two PSUs of eachenclosure can supply 100% of the electrical energy expected to be neededby the enclosure at any given time, and (b) each of the two PSUs thatsupplies electrical energy to a given enclosure receives its electricalenergy from a different electrical energy source (that is, a differentgrid); and (iii) because each of the PSUs supplying a given enclosurecan supply all of the electrical energy a given enclosure is expected toneed, the two PSUs share the load when both PSUs are in operation.

In some embodiments of the present inventions, a power supply hardwareset (PSHS) includes two power supply units (PSUs). A PSU receives powerfrom a power grid and distributes the power to at least one powerconsuming load. In these embodiments, the two PSUs each receive powerfrom a different power grid, and the power grids are independent of eachother with respect to the origin of the power and/or the distributioninfrastructure over which the power is delivered to each of the PSUssupplying the data center load.

Some embodiments of the present invention cost-optimize a balance amongpower source grids that supply power to a data center load (that is, aset of electrically powered components powered by a common set of powersupply units).

In a power supply methodology, according to some embodiments of thepresent invention, redundancy requirements are as follows: (i) each datacenter load receives power from more than one PSU; (ii) each PSUpowering a given data center load, must be able to supply all of theexpected power load for the entire data center load; and (iii) each PSU,powering a given data center load, is connected to a different powersource corresponding to a different power grid. In some embodiments ofthe present invention, machine logic selects what fraction of the totalpower supplied to a data center load is to come from each power grid(that is, during normal operating conditions over a given time periodwhen no power sources have failed). These fractions are herein calledthe “power source distribution” (or “power grid distribution”) for adata center load. In some embodiments, the machine logic willintermittently change the distribution (for example, change thedistribution at hourly intervals). In some embodiments, the power griddistribution will be determined by machine logic based on costconsiderations so that setting and resetting the power grid distributionwill reduce costs. Although it is possible that cost considerations willoccasionally cause the power supply for a data center load to be splitevenly between two grids, the power supply distribution for a given datacenter load will usually be a split other than an even split.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure: (i) each set of multiplePSUs share the load in supplying the respectively corresponding datacenter load when the PSUs are in operation; (ii) presented as apercentage of the full load for the enclosure, the power level of eachPSU can be set to any value between 0% and 100% (as opposed to someconventional systems where, by default, each PSU supplies 50% of theload of the respectively corresponding enclosure); and/or (iii) a set ofmachine logic based rules determine the proportion of required power,provided by each PSU of a set of PSUs, to its respectively correspondingenclosure.

Some embodiments of the present invention may include one, or more, ofthe following features, characteristics and/or advantages: (i)continuously balances multiple power grids connected to a single system;(ii) proportionally divides the surplus of a first grid among allrelevant enclosures; (iii) moves the individual surplus amounts to atleast a second grid and/or a third grid, the second and third grids indeficit; and/or (iv) once one of these three grids is balanced, themethod is repeated to balance the remaining unbalanced grids.

Above, in this Detailed Description section, an example method waspresented for adjusting grid distribution, based on cost considerations,for a single data center load. Discussion will now proceed toembodiments of the present invention where grid distribution isdetermined, again, based on cost considerations, for multiple datacenter loads in a data center having three (or more) grid sourcesavailable to the data center considered as a whole. In the embodimentsdiscussed below, each data center load has only two grid sources, but itwill be understood by those of skill in the art that some embodiments ofthe present invention could be directed to a data center where some ofthe data center load(s) subject to grid distribution under the presentinvention may have three or more grid sources.

A method of some embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to first power distribution schematic 400 ofFIG. 1. The first operation of the method is to determine a target powertable that determines a target power for each grid to supply to the datacenter. The determination of the target power table involves three typesof determinations: (i) determination of a total expected power drawconstraint; (ii) determination of “sub-set power draw constraints;” and(iii) determination of the target distribution based on marginal powerunit costs, where the target distribution meets the total powerconstraint and the subset power draw constraints. These threedeterminations, used to determine the power target table, will bediscussed in the following paragraphs.

TOTAL POWER DRAW CONSTRAINT: First power distribution schematic 400includes: power grids a, b and c; enclosures 4ac1 through 4ac5(collectively referred to as enclosures 4ac—each of these enclosures issupplied by grids a and c); enclosures 4ab1 through 4ab3 (collectivelyreferred to as enclosures 4ab—each of these enclosures is supplied bygrids a and b); and enclosures 4bc1 and 4bc2 (collectively referred toas enclosures 4bc—each of these enclosures is supplied by grids b andc). In the example under discussion, the expected power requirements, ona load-by-load basis are as follows: (i) enclosure (data center load)4ac requires 1500 w; (ii) enclosure (data center load) 4ab requires 2000w; and enclosure (data center load) 4bc requires 2200 w. Accordingly,the data center, taken as a whole will require 5700 w (that is, the 4acrequirement plus the 4ab requirement plus the 4bc requirement). Thetotal power draw constraint means that the target power table will bebased in part upon a constraint that the aggregate power to be drawnfrom all grids is 5700 w. Generally speaking, the expected power drawsare typically based on power draw patterns observed at some point(s) inthe past. For example, the expected power requirements could be based onone, or more, of the following: (i) the amount of power being drawn bythe data center loads at the time the pricing calculations areperformed; (ii) an average power draw experienced over a previous timeinterval (for example, past hour, past day); and/or (iii) pre-scheduledoperations to be performed by the enclosures.

SUB-SET EXPECTED POWER DRAW CONSTRAINTS: In addition to the expectedtotal power requirement set forth in the previous paragraph, there are“sub-set requirements” that may be applicable in some embodiments. Inthe example under discussion, the sub-set expected power drawrequirements are as follows: (i) the power drawn from grids a and c, inthe aggregate, should be expected to be at least 1500 w (that is, thepower from all data center loads that rely exclusively on grids a and cfor power); (ii) the power drawn from grids a and b, in the aggregate,should be expected to be at least 2000 w (that is, the power from alldata center loads that rely exclusively on grids a and b for power); and(iii) the power drawn from grids b and c, in the aggregate, should beexpected to be at least 2200 w (that is, the power from all data centerloads that rely exclusively on grids b and c for power). Alternatively,the constraints addressed in this paragraph could be addressed not whendetermining the target power draw table, but, rather, later in theprocess when power is being “offloaded” from deficit grids to surplusgrids, as will be discussed below.

MARGINAL POWER UNIT COSTS: Many grids used in connection with thepresent invention will not have a single, constant cost per power unit(that is, cost per watt). Instead, the cost of power from the grid willbe a function of the amount of power drawn so that drawing a largeramount of power will increase (or decrease) the power cost on a per unit(that is, per watt) basis. In this example, for the time interval andcalendar date for which power distribution is being determined: (i) grida provides moderately priced power (measured on a per watt basis) untilpower drawn goes above 500 w, at which point, the cost per wattincreases substantially; (ii) grid b has a constant cost per power unit;and (iii) grid c provides very inexpensively priced power (measured on aper watt basis) until power drawn goes above 1500 w, at which point, thecost per watt increases substantially. The target power distribution isbased on marginal power unit costs, but it should meet: (i) the totalexpected power draw constraint (explained two paragraphs above), and(ii) any sub-set expected power draw constraints (explained in theprevious paragraphs). In this example, the distribution determined forthe target draw table (that is, 2000 w for grid a, 3000 w for grid b,700 w for grid c) occurs at a point where the per unit power draw foreach of the three grids is approximately equal. Code and/or math fordetermining the target power distribution based on marginal power costswill be discussed later on.

A numeric illustration is now given, beginning with reference to theembodiment of first power distribution schematic 400 and the PowerTarget Table, below. This example “balances” power grids a, b and c withrespect to supply of data center loads 4ab, 4ac and 4bc. For thefollowing illustration, it is stipulated that during a given timeperiod, a total power of 5700 w (watts) is the power expected to berequired by enclosures 4ac, 4ab, and 4bc taken in the aggregate. Adistribution algorithm (which is described in detail, further below)divides the total power supply among the three grids in an advantageousway, such that the total cost of power supplied during the given timeperiod is reduced relative to what it would be under currentlyconventional power distribution schemes. Power Target Table shows theamount of power that will be supplied by each respective power grid(grids a, b, c) over a period of time that is about to begin (assumingthat actual power requirements match expected power requirements andthere are no grid failures):

Power Target Table Target Power Delivery Grid (Watts) A 2000 B 3000 C700 Total 5700

WEAK VERSUS STRONG OPTIMIZATION CONDITIONS: It is noted that there aremany possible distributions so that the expected power requirements foreach data center load of the data center, and the above power targettable, are both met. Any power distribution that meets the expectedpower requirements for each data center load of the data center, and thepower target table distribution based on costs, will be herein referredto as meeting “weak optimization conditions.” Some embodiments of thepresent invention may meet only the weak optimization conditions, butwill not meet the “strong optimization conditions.” The strongoptimization conditions typically determine a unique power distributionfor each data center load. Determination of power distribution understrong optimization conditions will be discussed in the followingparagraphs.

Enclosures and their respective power requirements are as follows:

Enclosures 4ac1 through 4ac5 receive power from grids a and c, and theirpower consumption values are: 100 w, 200 w, 300 w, 400 w, and 500 w,respectively.

Enclosures 4ab1 through 4ab3 receive power from grids a and b, and theirpower consumption values are: 600 w, 700 w, and 700 w, respectively.

Enclosures 4bc1 and 4bc2 receive power from grids b and c, and theirpower consumption values are 1000 w and 1200 w, respectively.

By default, the grids equally share in supplying power to theirrespective enclosures. For example, a first PSU connected to grid a,provides a first half of the total load consumed by enclosure 4ac1, anda second PSU, connected to grid c provides a second half of the loadconsumed by enclosure 4ac1. Given that the total load consumed byenclosure 4ac1 is 100 w, grids a and c each supply 50 w to enclosure4ac1.

In the present illustration, the Initial Power Distribution Table, setforth below, gives the power supplied by grids a, b and c, and theirrespective power distributions among data center loads 4ab, 4ac and 4bc.Total power consumed by all enclosures is 5700 w and this load equalsthe total power supplied through power grids a, b, and c.

Initial Power Distribution Table (All values in Watts) Enclosure Grid aGrid b Grid c Total power 4ac1 50 50 100 4ac2 100 100 200 4ac3 150 150300 4ac4 200 200 400 4ac5 250 250 500 4ab1 300 300 600 4ab2 350 350 7004ab3 350 350 700 4bc1 500 500 1000 4bc2 600 600 1200 Total 1750 21001850 5700

The Surplus/Deficit Table, set forth below, shows a deficit or surplusfor each of grids a through c before power distribution is optimized. Adeficit or surplus for a power grid is the difference between thedefault power level (that is, a power level based on an even splitassumption for each data center load) and the target power level. Thatis, default power level minus target power level equals surplus or(deficit). If the difference is less than zero, the grid has a powerdeficit. If the difference is greater than zero, the grid has a powersurplus. If the difference is equal to zero, the grid is balanced.

Surplus/Deficit Table (All values in Watts) Default Power Target PowerGrid Level Level Surplus (Deficit) A 1750 2000 (250) B 2100 3000 (900) C1850 700 1150  Total 5700 5700  0

The 1150 w surplus of grid c will be “offloaded” to grids a and b. Tobegin, a grid in deficit and a grid in surplus—in this example, grids b(deficit) and c (surplus) respectively—are selected. Enclosures 4bcreceive power from grids b and c. Because the deficit of grid b is 900w, only 900 w (of the 1150 w grid c surplus) will be offloaded from gridc to grid b.

In some embodiments of the present invention, this 900 w will bedistributed between enclosures 4bc1 and 4bc2 in proportion to theirindividual power consumptions relative to their collective powerconsumption. That is, enclosure 4bc1 consumes 1000 w, enclosure 4bc2consumes 1200 w, and their collective total is 2200 w. Their individualpower consumption proportions are computed as follows:4bc1: 1000/22004bc2: 1200/2200

900 w is to be distributed to enclosures 4bc according to theproportions calculated above. Therefore the power distribution iscomputed as follows:4bc1: 900 w×1000/2200=409 w4bc2: 900 w×1200/2200=491 w

First Balancing Iteration Table 500 of FIG. 2, and in particular columns504, 506, 514, 516, 524 and 526, shows the change in power distributionresulting from balancing of grid 4b of the present example. After 900 wis shifted from grid c to b: (i) grid b delivers its target power levelof 2100 w+900 w=3000 w (refer to columns 504, 514, and 524 of Table500); and (ii) grid c delivers 1850 w−900 w=950 w (refer to columns 506,516, and 526).

With reference to the Power Target Table, set forth above, and table 500of FIG. 2, it can be seen that 950 w currently supplied by grid c(column 526 of Table 500) represents a remaining surplus of grid coverits target of 700 w (see, the Power Target Table, above): 950 w(current) minus 700 w (target) equals 250 w surplus.

The example continues wherein a grid in deficit (that is, grid a) and agrid in surplus (that is, in this example, grid c) are selected. Theprocess as illustrated above is repeated for grids a and c as follows.Grid a has a deficit of 250 w (see, Power Target Table, above) and gridc has a remaining surplus of 250 w. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the surplus power is to be distributed among enclosures 4acin proportion to their individual power consumptions relative to theircollective power consumption. The individual power consumptions forenclosures 4ac1 through 4ac5 are 100 w, 200 w, 300 w, 400 w, and 500 wrespectively. Their collective power consumption is 1500 w. Individualpower consumption proportions are computed as follows:4ac1: 100/15004ac2: 200/15004ac3: 300/15004ac4: 400/15004ac5: 500/1500This means that 250 w is to be distributed to enclosures 4ac accordingto the proportions calculated above. Therefore the power distribution iscomputed as follows:4ac1: 250 w×100/1500=17 w4ac2: 250 w×200/1500=33 w4ac3: 250 w×300/1500=50 w4ac4: 250 w×400/1500=67 w4ac5: 250 w×500/1500=83 w

Second Balancing Iteration Table 600 of FIG. 3, and in particularcolumns 632, 636, 642, 646, 652, 654 and 656, shows the change in powerdistribution resulting from balancing grids a and c of the presentexample. After 250 w is shifted from grid c to grid a: (i) grid adelivers its target power level of 1750 w+250 w=2000 w (refer to columns632, 642, and 652 of Table 5); and (ii) grid c delivers 950 w−250 w=700w (refer to columns 636, 646, and 656 of Table 5).

With reference to Power Target Table, set forth above, and Table 600 ofFIG. 3, it can be seen that grids a, b, and c now deliver theirrespective target power levels of 2000 w, 3000 w and 700 w (see columns652, 654 and 656 of table 600).

Fully Balanced Table 700 of FIG. 4, shows a summary of the completedforegoing load balancing example. Columns 742, 744 and 746 show theinitial power distribution of grids a, b and c respectively. Columns752, 754 and 756 show the shift of power, among grids 4a, 4b and 4c,respectively, that took place during the load balancing. Columns 762,764, and 766 show the resulting power distribution from all grids andacross all enclosures after completion of the load balancing.

The distribution algorithm referred to above will now be generalized,and described in detail, over the course of the following paragraphs,with reference to second power distribution schematic 800 of FIG. 5.Second power distribution schematic 800 includes: enclosures 8ab1through 8abm, collectively enclosures 8ab; enclosures 8ac1 through 8acn,collectively enclosures 8ac; enclosures 8bc1 through 8bcp, collectivelyenclosures 8bc; and power grids a, b, and c.

Problem statement: Given a plurality of enclosures connected to threegrids, a, b, and c, wherein each enclosure is connected to two differentgrids, and each grid provides power at a certain cost which depends onthe time of the day (and night), find power delivery of eachenclosure/grid combination such that the total cost of power along a 24hour day is minimum.

The following parameters are designated as follows: (i) GridA is grid aof power supply schematic 800; (ii) GridB is grid b of power supplyschematic 800; (iii) GridC is grid c of power supply schematic 800; (iv)T equals an arbitrary time period, of arbitrary duration; (v) W equalstotal power required at time T; (vi) WdA equals desired power providedby GridA; (vii) WdB equals desired power provided by GridB; (viii) WdCequals desired power provided by grid C; (ix) ΔW equals a powerincrement to define the granularity of algorithms given below; (x)GridA_load equals power supplied by grid A at time T; (xi) GridB_loadequals power supplied by grid B at time T; (xii) GridC_load equals powersupplied by GridC at time T; (xiii) ΔA equals surplus (+) or deficit (−)of GridA; (xiv) ΔB equals surplus (+) or deficit (−) of GridB; and (xv)ΔC equals surplus (+) or deficit (−) of GridC.

Main algorithm:

FOR EVERY TIME T OF THE DAY DO     FindOptimalLoadForGrids(W,GridA_load, GridB_load, GridC_load)     SET THE POWER LOADS ON EACH OFTHE DUAL PSUs OF EVERY ENCLOSURE END

The function FindOptimalLoadForGrids ( ) finds the optimal load for eachgrid by stepping through the power load in steps of ΔW and allocatingthe cheapest power source for each ΔW. An algorithm forFindOptimalLoadForGrids ( ) follows:

FindOptimalLoadForGrids(W, WdA, WdB, WdC) Initialize WdA, WdB, WdC For 0to W, in steps of ΔW DO     If min(GetPrice(GridA, ΔW), GetPrice(GridB,ΔW), GetPrice(GridC, ΔW)) = GetPrice(GridA, WdA, ΔW, T) THEN WdA = WdA +ΔW     If min(GetPrice(GridA, ΔW), GetPrice(GridB, ΔW), GetPrice(GridC,ΔW)) = GetPrice(GridB, WdB, ΔW, T) THEN WdB = WdB + ΔW     Ifmin(GetPrice(GridA, ΔW), GetPrice(GridB, ΔW), GetPrice(GridC, ΔW)) =GetPrice(GridC, WdC, ΔW, T) THEN WdC = WdC + ΔW END

In general, the function GetPrice (GridX, WdX, ΔW, T) returns the priceof GridX providing power of ΔW in addition to the already allocatedpower for GridX WdX at time T.

Next, the power loads supplied by each of the dual PSUs for eachenclosure are determined. Relevant nomenclature will be defined in thefollowing paragraphs.

Enclosures ABi, shown in second power distribution schematic 800 of FIG.5 as enclosures 8ab, denote enclosures connected to grids a and b. Totalnumber of such enclosures is m.

Enclosures ACj, shown in second power distribution schematic 800 asenclosures 8ac, denote enclosures connected to grids a and c. Totalnumber of such enclosures is n.

Enclosures BCk, shown in second power distribution schematic 800 asenclosures 8bc, denote enclosures connected to grids b and c. Totalnumber of such enclosures is p.

WX(XYz)=Power of GridX connected to enclosure XYz, where X and Y can beA, B, or C.

WX(XY)=Power of GridX connected to all enclosures XY, where X and Y canbe A, B, or C.

WX=Total power of GridX (all connected enclosures).

W=Total system power (all three grids combined).

ΔX=Surplus (+) or deficit (−) of GridX, compared with WdX.

WXY=Total power of enclosures XY.

W(XYz)=Power of enclosure Xyz.

WdA, WdB, WdC are the desired loads on grids A, B, and C, respectively,and were computed above in FindOptimalLoadsFor_Grid_A_B_and_C( ).

The steps of the algorithm will be respectively set forth in thefollowing paragraphs.

Step 0: Measure the total power consumption of each enclosure of thesystem.

Step 1: For each enclosure, split the power equally between the twogrids that supply power to the enclosure.

Step 2: Sum up the power of grids A, B, and C using the followingequations:WA=WA(AB)+WA(AC)WB=WB(AB)+WB(BC)WC=WC(AC)+WC(BC)

Step 3: Sum up the power on all enclosures using the following equation:W=WA+WB+WC

Step 4: Compute the deficit or surplus per grid using the followingequations:ΔA=WA−WdAΔB=WB−WdBΔC=WC−WdC

Step 5: Pick one grid with a surplus and one grid with a deficit.Without loss of generality, and for illustrative purpose only, GridA isstipulated as being in deficit and grid B as being in surplus.

Step 6: Sum all power of enclosures ABi, where i=1 through m. The sum isdenoted as WAB.

Step 7: Pick the smaller of absolute values of ΔA and ΔB. Without lossof generality, and for illustrative purpose only, it is stipulated thatthe absolute value of ΔA is less than that of ΔB. The absolute value ofΔA is denoted as |ΔA|.

Step 8: Divide the surplus for each enclosure ABi proportionally amongall enclosures AB. Increase power contributed by the grid in deficit(GridA), and decrease power contributed by the grid in surplus (GridB)according to the following sub-algorithm:

FOR every Enclosure ABi DO WA(ABi) = WA(ABi) + (|ΔA| × W(ABi)/WAB) Setthe power level of PSU connected to GridA of ABi to WA(ABi)  WB(ABi) =WB(ABi) − (|ΔA| × W(ABi)/WAB)  Set the power level of PSU connected toGridB of ABi to WB(ABi) END

Step 9: Update total power of GridA and GridB according to the followingequations:WA=WA(AB)+WA(AC)WB=WB(AB)+WB(BC)

Step 10: Update deficit and surplus of GridA and GridB. ΔA should beessentially 0.ΔA=WA−WdΔB=WB−Wd

Step 11: Repeat steps 5 through 10 of the algorithm, making theappropriate letter substitutions.

Some embodiments of the present invention may include one, or more, ofthe following features, characteristics and/or advantages: (i) finelybalances power according to desired values that are determined by costoptimization on a periodic (for example, hourly) basis; and/or (ii)balances between power sources at the enclosure level, without the needfor switching between power sources.

OTHER DETERMINISTIC WAYS FOR DETERMINING GRID DISTRIBUTION: Adeterministic method for determining grid distribution (for multipledata center loads and data centers with access to at least three grids)has been discussed above in detail, and denominated herein as methodsmeeting “strong optimizing conditions.” However, it should be understoodthat there are other deterministic ways for choosing a specific griddistribution from among the many possible grid distributions that meetthe weak optimizing conditions, as discussed above. For example, onealternative way to reach a determinative grid distribution scheme is to:(i) determine a representative sub-set of grid distribution schemes thatmeet the weak optimizing conditions; (ii) determine expected costsrespectively associated with each grid distribution scheme of therepresentative sub-set; (iii) choose the lowest expected cost griddistribution; and (iv) adjust the PSHSs of the data center to implementthe chosen grid distribution.

Some embodiments of the present invention may include one, or more, ofthe following characteristics, features and/or advantages: (i) systemsand method to balance multiple power grids that feed a set of datacenter loads; (ii) the system may include all enclosures installed on asingle physical rack in the data center, but it may also compriseenclosures residing in separate racks, but still fed by the same powergrid; (iii) a system and method for continuously balancing multiplepower grids connected to a set of redundant-power-supplied data centerloads wherein the system is based on proportional division of thesurplus of one grid among all relevant enclosures and moving theindividual surplus amounts to a grid in deficit; (iv) the surplus foreach enclosure is proportionally divided on all enclosures, added to thegrid in deficit and subtracted from the one in surplus; and/or (v) thetotal power of the grids is then updated and the updated deficit andsurplus of grids A and B computes to zero, resulting in balance.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product at any possible technical detail level of integration.The computer program product may include a computer readable storagemedium (or media) having computer readable program instructions thereonfor causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, configuration data for integrated circuitry, oreither source code or object code written in any combination of one ormore programming languages, including an object oriented programminglanguage such as Smalltalk, C++, or the like, and procedural programminglanguages, such as the “C” programming language or similar programminglanguages. The computer readable program instructions may executeentirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as astand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partlyon a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Inthe latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user'scomputer through any type of network, including a local area network(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to anexternal computer (for example, through the Internet using an InternetService Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including,for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gatearrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays (PLA) may execute thecomputer readable program instructions by utilizing state information ofthe computer readable program instructions to personalize the electroniccircuitry, in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of theorder noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Some definitions for use in conjunction with this document will be setforth in the following paragraphs.

Power supply hardware set: any set of hardware that can receiveelectrical power from a set of different grid sources, and can supplythat electrical power to a load in a data center (for example, anenclosure) such that the proportion of power, to the load and from eachgrid source, can be controlled (with some level of granularity ofcontrol) by hardware of the power supply hardware set; in someembodiments, the power supply hardware set will be a set of power supplyunits, where each power supply unit controls power from one grid source.

Present invention: should not be taken as an absolute indication thatthe subject matter described by the term “present invention” is coveredby either the claims as they are filed, or by the claims that mayeventually issue after patent prosecution; while the term “presentinvention” is used to help the reader to get a general feel for whichdisclosures herein are believed to potentially be new, thisunderstanding, as indicated by use of the term “present invention,” istentative and provisional and subject to change over the course ofpatent prosecution as relevant information is developed and as theclaims are potentially amended.

Embodiment: see definition of “present invention” above—similar cautionsapply to the term “embodiment.”

and/or: inclusive or; for example, A, B “and/or” C means that at leastone of A or B or C is true and applicable.

Including/include/includes: unless otherwise explicitly noted, means“including but not necessarily limited to.”

Module/Sub-Module: any set of hardware, firmware and/or software thatoperatively works to do some kind of function, without regard to whetherthe module is: (i) in a single local proximity; (ii) distributed over awide area; (iii) in a single proximity within a larger piece of softwarecode; (iv) located within a single piece of software code; (v) locatedin a single storage device, memory or medium; (vi) mechanicallyconnected; (vii) electrically connected; and/or (viii) connected in datacommunication.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method comprising:receiving a plurality of cost information datasets, with each costinformation data set respectively corresponding to a power grid of aplurality of power grids and including expected cost information forelectrical power drawn from the corresponding power grid during a timeperiod, with each power grid of the plurality of power gridsrespectively having: (i) a different origin of the electrical powerdistributed over the grid, and (ii) different distributioninfrastructure; receiving a plurality of usage information data sets,with each usage information data set respectively corresponding to adata center load of a plurality of data center loads in a data centerand including expected usage information for electrical power expectedto be drawn by a corresponding data center load during the time period;determining a target power information set, based, at least in part, onthe plurality of cost information data sets and the plurality of usageinformation data sets, with the target power information set, for thetime period, including: (i) a first target power amount respectivelycorresponding to each power grid, and (ii) a second target power amountrespectively corresponding to each power grid, with the second targetpower amount being a lowest expected usage target power amount; anddetermining a power supply unit configuration scheme according to thedetermined target power information set so that, when operating underthe power supply unit configuration scheme, each power grid of theplurality of power grids will either: (i) supply, at leastapproximately, the first target power amount, (ii) receive power from aunique electrical energy source, and/or (iii) supply, at leastapproximately, the second target power amount.
 2. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising: applying thepower supply unit configuration scheme to a plurality of power supplyunits, with the plurality of power supply units being structured,connected and/or programmed to control the flow of electrical power fromthe plurality of power grids to the plurality of data center loads. 3.The computer-implemented method of claim 2 further comprising: for aplurality of successive time periods, repeating the followingoperations: the receiving of a plurality of cost information data setsoperation, the receiving of a plurality of usage information data setsoperation, the determining of a target power information set operation,the determining of a power supply unit configuration scheme operation,and the applying of the power supply unit configuration schemeoperation.
 4. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 wherein theplurality of power grids includes at least three power grids.
 5. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 4 wherein the plurality of powersupply units are connected to the plurality of power grids and theplurality of data center loads such that each data center load issupplied by a plurality of dedicated power supply units where each powersupply unit of the plurality of dedicated power supply units suppliespower from a different power grid.
 6. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 1 wherein at least a first cost information data set of theplurality of cost information data sets includes expected costinformation for a corresponding first power grid that varies on a perpower unit basis with respect to the amount of power drawn from thefirst power grid.
 7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 whereinthe determination of the target power information data set is furtherbased, at least in part, upon current and/or past observed power usagefor the plurality of data center loads.
 8. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 1 wherein: a first power grid of the plurality of powergrids is oil powered; and a second power grid of the plurality of powergrids is hydroelectric.
 9. A computer program product comprising; amachine readable storage device; and computer code stored on the machinereadable storage device, with the computer code including instructionsand data for causing a processor(s) set to perform operations includingthe following: receiving a plurality of cost information data sets, witheach cost information data set respectively corresponding to a powergrid of a plurality of power grids and including expected costinformation for electrical power drawn from the corresponding power gridduring a time period, with each power grid of the plurality of powergrids respectively having: (i) a different origin of the electricalpower distributed over the grid, and (ii) different distributioninfrastructure, receiving a plurality of usage information data sets,with each usage information data set respectively corresponding to adata center load of a plurality of data center loads in a data centerand including expected usage information for electrical power expectedto be drawn by a corresponding data center load during the time period,determining a target power information set, based, at least in part, onthe plurality of cost information data sets and the plurality of usageinformation data sets, with the target power information set, for thetime period, including: (i) a first target power amount respectivelycorresponding to each power grid, and (ii) a second target power amountrespectively corresponding to each power grid, with the second targetpower amount being a lowest expected usage target power amount, anddetermining a power supply unit configuration scheme according to thedetermined target power information set so that, when operating underthe power supply unit configuration scheme, each power grid of theplurality of power grids will either: (i) supply, at leastapproximately, the first target power amount, (ii) receive power from aunique electrical energy source, and/or (iii) supply, at leastapproximately, the second target power amount.
 10. The computer programproduct of claim 9 further comprising: applying the power supply unitconfiguration scheme to a plurality of power supply units, with theplurality of power supply units being structured, connected and/orprogrammed to control the flow of electrical power from the plurality ofpower grids to the plurality of data center loads.
 11. The computerprogram product of claim 10 further comprising: for a plurality ofsuccessive time periods, repeating the following operations: thereceiving of a plurality of cost information data sets operation, thereceiving of a plurality of usage information data sets operation, thedetermining of a target power information set operation, the determiningof a power supply unit configuration scheme operation, and the applyingof the power supply unit configuration scheme operation.
 12. Thecomputer program product of claim 10 wherein the plurality of powergrids includes at least three power grids.
 13. The computer programproduct of claim 12 wherein the plurality of power supply units areconnected to the plurality of power grids and the plurality of datacenter loads such that each data center load is supplied by a pluralityof dedicated power supply units where each power supply unit of theplurality of dedicated power supply units supplies power from adifferent power grid.
 14. The computer program product of claim 9wherein at least a first cost information data set of the plurality ofcost information data sets includes expected cost information for acorresponding first power grid that varies on a per power unit basiswith respect to the amount of power drawn from the first power grid. 15.The computer program product of claim 9 wherein the determination of thetarget power information data set is further based, at least in part,upon current and/or past observed power usage for the plurality of datacenter loads.
 16. The computer program product of claim 9 furthercomprising: a set of processor(s) structured and/or connected to performthe program instructions stored on the computer readable storage medium;and wherein the computer program product is in the form of a computersystem.
 17. The computer system of claim 16 wherein: a first power gridof the plurality of power grids is oil powered; and a second power gridof the plurality of power grids is hydroelectric.
 18. The computerprogram product of claim 9 wherein: a first power grid of the pluralityof power grids is oil powered; and a second power grid of the pluralityof power grids is hydroelectric.